Peletiah M. Jenks

Sergeant Peletiah Jenks was shot and killed when he attempted to disarm a woman who was waving a firearm around in a vacant lot near Biddle and Eighth Streets.

He grabbed the woman from behind but she spun around and shot him at point blank range. The woman was later apprehended.

Sadie Hays set to be hanged on January 1, 1886, but the courts granted a reprieve. On January 24, 1887, she was allowed to plead guilty to murder in the second degree, and she was sentenced to 99 years in prison

Sergeant Jenks had been a member of the St. Louis Police Department for 15 years, and was survived by his wife and several children.

Bio

Age43

Tour15 years

BadgeNot available

Incident Details

CauseGunfire

WeaponGun; Unknown type

Offendersentenced to 99 years in prison

Most Recent Reflection

Sgt. Jenks,
On today, the 133rd anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of St. Louis. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.